Other Ways to Say Ups and Downs in English

Life has its ups and downs. One day everything is good in your life and the next day it is not. In English, we use this phrase all of the time with our kids, colleagues and friends. That got me thinking about other ways to say UPS and DOWNS in English.

Learn how you can say that something went up or down in English.

Other Ways to Say Ups and Downs in English

Learn UP English Verbs

RISE

Can be used in many situations when referring to an improvement.

The temperature will rise tomorrow from -1 to + 4 o C.

House prices have risen dramatically this year. It was not unexpected as demand outweighs the supply.

INCREASE

Again like rise we can use this word in multiple circumstances.

The average temperature on Earth will increase due to global warming.

House prices will increase over the next few years as inflation picks up.

SURGE

Usually used when an increase is sudden (quick) and unexpected.

The water surged over the bank and quickly flooded the village.

ASCEND

Quite formal. We often use this when referring to elevators or lifts or stairs.

He ascended the stairs two at a time.

GAIN

Often used in business and finance to describe an improvement in profit, income or performance.

The shares gained over 2% in early trading.

The company has gained a 20% share in the domestic market.

IMPROVE

A general word used in all circumstances to reflect an upturn in performance, your health or normal day to day activities.

The health of the nation has improved gradually in the last ten years.

The property has improved thanks to the new decoration.

Ways to Say Ups and Downs in English

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Other Ways to Say Ups and Downs in English

Learn DOWN English Verbs

DESCEND

Formal word meaning the opposite of ascend.

He descended the stairs quickly as the lift was out of order.

DECREASE

The opposite to increase.

The decrease in the standard of living was clearly visible. More people relying on social welfare payments and more people unemployed.

FALL

This can be used in many situations. It will describe a downward movement.

He fell off the chair but was not hurt.

Average household income fell by 1.3% in the first two years following the end of the recession.

Incidentally Americans refer to Autumn as the Fall!

PLUMMET

An opposite to surge. When something falls quickly and steeply we can use plummet.

The shares plummeted when the news broke that the company had lost a major government contract.

DROP

Similar to fall but cannot always be used in the same way (we cannot say he dropped off the chair!)

No sign of spring yet. The temperature dropped to -8C last night.

Earnings dropped sharply in the fourth quarter.

We can often use these “up and down” words in phrases which give different meanings.

He fell in love with her instantly.

The contribution was a drop in the ocean as they needed so much more.

Other Word to Say Increase

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Other Word to Say Decrease

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More Information

For more information on English Phrasal Verbs, English idioms and English collocations, check out the following links: